Alfalfa says "Happy New Year"!!!!!

Come what may...

2010 was a great year. I feel so fortunate for all of my blessings. Each and every day I try and remember to thank God for all He has given me. 


2010 brought on a few changes... but not many.  The biggest was the purchase of our home/ relocation from the city to the suburb of Clarendon Hills.  Our home is lovely and I am so happy to be here... In fact, it feels like I have been here for years... maybe in a past life...?  I think both Ken and I are equally surprised at how easily we adjusted to the slower-suburban lifestyle.  We thought it would be a culture shock... and we've been pleasantly surprised on how much we welcomed the change.  We are hanging onto the condo in hopes that this dreadful economy will (finally) make a comeback and for it to (someday) turn a profit.

I'm still holding the title of CEO of Gilbert Enterprises.  Being able to stay home with Ava certainly has it's challenges on days where I just "don't feel like it" but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. We play and laugh and cuddle... It's wonderful, getting to witness every moment of her growing up and becoming her own little person. I am sure that some will disagree, but there is not a child in the world, loved more than our girl.  I look at her sometimes and still can't believe she's mine.

In the year 2011, I hope we continue to be blessed.  More specifically to be blessed with a brother or sister for Ava... For Ken to keep "killing it" at work... and for continued health of family and friends.  Oh, and it would be ultra-sweet if Ken can qualify for his Chairman's Club (Ritz Carlton at Grand Cayman in April).  ;-)

My resolutions:

• Cut back on drinking
• Continue working out like a madwoman
• Get health screens to make sure I'm here for the long haul
• Be better about keeping in touch with friends
• Spend less

Sayonara 2010.  Thank you for being so kind to us.  I hope your successor is as nice as you have been.  :)

Eventful Day!

• 2:00 AM  Wide awake with a bottle of milk and dose of Tylenol to soothe my teething sweetie.  I adore watching her sleep in my arms.
• 3:00 AM  Back to bed for Mommy.. I love our bed... so comfy
• 6:00 AM  Awake for the day... sweet girl has nothing but smiles and a ton of energy.  This is normal... :)
• 7:00 AM  Breakfast for 2... on the menu: Scrambled eggs & sausage links.  Yum!
• 8:30 AM  Wake up Daddy by throwing Ava on our bed.... she loves to pounce on him.  This is a for-sure-way to wake him up with an ear to ear grin.
• 10:00 AM Family goes to the Gym
• 11:15 AM Grocery Store
• 11:30 AM Family lunch/ Make Homemade Salsa/ Make Homemade Enchilada Soup (Chili's Recipe)
• 12:30 PM Ava goes down for nap
• 1:00 PM  Mommy & Daddy take a nap 
• 3:45 PM  Ava wakes up Mommy & Daddy after a 2 1/2 hour power nap (WOO HOO!)
• 4:59 PM  Daddy makes us drinks
• 5:00 PM  Mommy makes homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach Fettucine (with butter & parm)
• 6:00 PM  Daddy & Mommy throw out said Chicken Cordon Bleu because it's not fully cooked (still waiting for the effects of eating semi-raw chicken)
• 6:01 PM  Daddy & Mommy pour a 2nd drink and decide it will be a liquid diet for the remainder of the evening
• 7:00 PM  Ava is changed, medicated and down for the night.  Angel. 
• 7:05 PM  Drink #3 and started the movie "Other Guys" with Will Farrell & Mark Wahlberg.  So far, so good. 
• 8:00 PM  Drink #???  Huh?  Who???  Where???  
• 9:10 PM In Ava's words, "Nie, Nie!"

Pretty typical day actually, except for the fact that Ken has the week off.  No complaints here.  Love my Husband.  Love my Girl.  Love my life.  Good night all.

So much for that!

A few months ago, I wrote a blog post called Unfinished Visit.  It was about how my Mom had visited the home where we grew up and asked the current owners if we could come by at Christmas and take one last walk through the house.  The owners happily obliged.  Long story short, all of this was inspired by the Miranda Lambert Song The House That Built Me, and it was to be a treat for the whole family, from my Mom.

Over our visit to Quincy, my Mom called, went to the door and called some more.... to the home where I have 48 trillion memories.  The owners would NOT call her back.  When she went to the house, the husband acted aloof & promised to have the wife call my Mom.  The call never came.  My mom feels so bad about it.  I told her not to worry... besides I like to remember it the way I do.  With their new decorations/ furniture it probably wouldn't feel like the same place anyway.

I guess I'm just writing this because I am disappointed the woman wouldn't even speak to my Mom.  If she didn't feel comfortable, she should have said so... instead of disappointing an entire family, leaving us hanging by the wayside while she had NO INTENTION of letting us near the house.

If I were in her shoes I probably would have felt a little uncomfortable... it being a little awkward and all.  But I like to think that I would endure 15 minutes of feeling outside of my comfort zone, if I knew how much it meant to a family.

So much for that.

In her words

Rather than write about our Christmas, I thought I would tell the story through pics... from Ava's point of view: 

December 23rd:

"Dulaney walked in and I literally SPRINTED to her and gave her a "Beeeeeg hug!".  I love her sooo much and want to be JUST like her!"

"In this pic, I am eating a nugget, while saying my favorite word "Dad-eyes".  I like to say this word often and think it's funny that none of these big people know what it means.  Silly old folks."   

"This is me dressed as Santa while acting as the North Pole Mail Sorter!"

"Tickle Time with Dad!"

Christmas Eve Morning:

"Opening up my first gifts.  One from Grandma Carol and one from Mommy!" 

"I can't contain my excitement.  I'm dancing all afternoon... WAY too excited for Santa's visit!"

"Mommy & me, all dressed for Christmas Eve..." 

Playing with Mommy & my favorite cousin Dulaney 

"Ya see, Dad... Santa comes tonight.  So we have to make sure and leave cookies for him... and carrots for his reindeer.  That way, I'll be sure to get the best loot on the sleigh"

 Uncle Shayne & Cousin Dulaney

 "Seriously.  I am SO excited for Santa!"

"Santa made a surprise visit during Christmas Eve!  He brought me a xylophone!"  

Christmas morning:

"No. Way.  I can't believe Santa brought me a laptop.  Now I'm JUST like Mom & Dad!  I think I'll start a blog."

"Hold on little baby.  I have to make sure you're strapped in."

 "Mom.  I need to take a break.  Perhaps a cookie will give me more energy to get through the rest of these presents."

 "An Elmo airplane?!  Are you joking?!  This is the BEST gift EVER!!  I sure do love my Uncle Nuggs... especially his amazing talent of gift-giving!!"

Ready for Christmas dinner!

"My Aunt Steph is so entertaining!"

"I see you!!!" 

"Mom.  Enough with the camera."

"Ok, Dulaney.  Let's take it from the top." 

"This holiday ROCKS.  I mean... cookies... presents... nonstop-playtime... snow... I don't want this to end!"

So sweet

Sibling debauchery

As you can see, it was a wonderful holiday... and we were able to have my Brother (Shayne) in town. He was FINALLY able to meet my beautiful baby... who he has since nicknamed "Monkey". I don't find this nickname hard to believe, considering her chimpanzee-like behavior; the little orangutan was all over the place... all the time. In fact, that kid has more energy than Ken & I combined! And if you know the both of us, you know that is completely WHACK! One might think I put Red Bull in her bottle instead of milk! No joke. Hyper as she is, Santa brought her some great loot, because despite her abundance of energy, she was a VERY GOOD GIRL and managed to be on his "Nice List".  I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas.  

Laura Keane ROCKS!

Wow! That is about all I can say about Laura (Laura Keane Photography). She is a friend of mine from high school and we were able to reconnect via Facebook (which I should also thank for an additional 860+ reconnected friendships). Anyway, through her Facebook page, I learned that she is now a Photographer.

Yes... I have a point.  At the beginning of the month, my Mom had mentioned how much she would LOVE to get a pic of our family; this year's Christmas was especially-special because it was the first time that we were all together again (my brother, Shayne hadn't been able to make it back the last few years). 


Anywhooooo... my Mom wanted to capture a pic of our ever-changing family. I contacted Laura a few weeks ago about taking a quick family photo and not only did she come through, but she got some amazing pictures!!

Thank you Laura!! 

2010 Family Photos

Ready for Santa

If you have healthy kids...

...you should think about giving back to those less fortunate. Awhile back, my Mom told me how she donates a monthly sum to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and after realizing how lucky I am to have a healthy baby, I quickly followed her lead. Now that it's Christmas, maybe you will consider becoming a monthly donor too.

If you have ever seen one of their commercials, you know the organization and what they do for families with ill children. It's so easy. For $20 a month, you can make a HUGE difference. It's only $20!! I mean, I spend $20 on a takeout lunch for Ken and I!! Please... at least consider it. You will feel so good when you get the letters in the mail about the progress the little ones are making, due to your contributions.

Merry Christmas to you... make it a merry one for those less fortunate.

Become a Donor!

December fun

Our neighbor put up their Christmas lights (I secretly think they hired someone). 

They look so nice.  I decided to take a picture for inspiration. 

As you can see...mine didn't turn out quite as well. 

FAIL!

Well, in my defense... Ken didn't help.  So that's as high as I could get them on the bushes.  As for the roof... I'm afraid of heights so that's not happening either. 

Next year, I think I am going to hire Clark. He'll make it so you can see our house from space!

Here are some other recent pics of Miss Ava during the chilly month of December 2010:

The Walnut Room

Playing with the infamous snow globe (pre-crash-and-burn)

She loves her Vanilla milk.  I treat her with it EACH time we go to the grocery store.  

It makes for a calm little shopper.  

This makes me want to have a gazillion more babies. 

That jack-o-lantern smile.  Gets me every time.  

"Mom- this cabinet was a mess.  I decided to do some reorganizing to help you out."

**Notice the "childproof tabs" on the inside of the cabinet?  I'm telling you... nothing can fool this kid. ** 

At the Dr's office.  She loves this chair!

Giving Tanner (via his Christmas card) a BEEEEG KEEEES!

Bundled up for Oak Brook's outdoor mall (to replace the snow globe!)...

Dear Cancer-

F__K YOU!  Party's over A-HOLE.  Pack your bags and take a hike.  


I've had to deal with you winning the fight against my Dad, Grandparents & friends.... and quite frankly, I am SO OVER it.. and so is everyone else.  We long for the day that you will get your own ass kicked... and then we can all laugh in YOUR face. 


One of these days, we'll find the answer and you will be gone forever.  I long for that day.  Every.  Single. Day.


Until then, make yourself scarce... And don't even think about messing with my Mom again.   You wanna mess with somebody?  Mess with me.  Bring it... I'll come at you like a tornado of teeth and fingernails... Over and over, beatch!  


You want to rear your ugly head?  Go to Afghanistan.  


No love here-
Kristi

Need to expand the vocab, Ava!

We're getting there!

Dear Judy

I did it! I just sent my letter. I feel so glad I followed through and did it! I am going to try and do things like this more often.  

Here's what I wrote:
To Whom it May Concern:

I am writing to tell you about a very special sales clerk. Judy Jesswein (in your Oak Brook, IL store) saved my daughter's Christmas (and mine!!).

It's an annual tradition for our family to visit the Walnut room (Chicago- State Street Store). And each year, we get our daughters matching gifts. This year, the "Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" snow globe was her takeaway gift. While playing with it at home, she dropped it... and it shattered into a million pieces. Needless to say, she was devastated.

I called the Oak Brook store and the first person I spoke with said they were sold out. So I hung up. I tried to order online. None available. So I called Oak Brook again, only this time I got Judy. I explained the situation to her and she took my number to see what she could do. She called stores in Virginia (she could see that they had some remaining in inventory) and offered to take my Macy's CC# and she could have it shipped to me... Problem was, I no longer have the credit card. So she went back to the drawing board. She called me about 30 minutes later, to inform me that she found one, by searching the store from floor to ceiling. She said, "It's here and it's got your name on it". Talk about an angel!!

She went above and beyond to help me and I think someone should recognize her for such a job well done. It's rare to get service like this anymore. I will continue to shop Macy's and tell my friends about my experience.

Thanks again, Judy. You're what Christmas is all about!

Baby talk

Me: Ava- what does Santa say??
Ava: Ha-ha-ha


Me: Ava, say BYE BYE!!
Ava: Nie, Nie (night night)


Me: Uh oh!
Ava: Ugh ull!


Needless to say, her speaking ability is improving more and more by the day.  However... I have YET to hear the words Mama or Mommy come out of those beautiful, raspberry lips.  


Ken: Ava, say Ma-ma
Ava: Duh-duh


WTH?  I spend every waking minute with this bundle of sweetness and she calls me "Duh Duh"?


Santa- if you're listening, could you please give her the skills to say Mama?  It is all I want this year. Well... that and my other request for a few hair plugs to cure Miss Ava's Rooster Mullet.  


Thanks,
KG

Rooster Mullet

This is what I refer to as the Rooster Mullet:

 "Cock-a-doodle-hair-doooooo"

How does a child only grow hair on the "mullet section" of her head???  I don't get it!! At this rate, her first haircut will be at age 8... And even then, it will just be for a trim.

Blasphemy! 

At least, now YOU know why I put those RIDICULOUSLY HUGE bows on her. I'm tired of being asked how old "HE" is. I feel like saying, "Really??? You colorblind _______?! Do you see that she's wearing ALL pink? And fur cuffed boots?????" 

 Now, don't get me wrong... I fully support the gay population and will admit, I love a man in pink... with fur cuffed boots... but when it's your baby girl, and they're mistaking her for a boy, it gets annoying.

Dear Hair Gods- if you're listening.... a few plugs on the side of her head would be a SWEET xmas gift.   It would be even sweeter if you'd make them blonde.  Thanks in advance!  :)

PS- I've been a VERY good girl this year!

XOXO-

Kristi

How did you find me?

What I mean is, how did you come across this blog?  Sure, if you're a friend of mine, you see my blog posts come through on Facebook.  But what about those of you that I DON'T know.  How did you find my teeny, tiny, little blog?


I looked at the statistics on my Blogger Manager Page (tells you where you receive most of your traffic).  Apparently, I have some popularity overseas...  Which is interesting considering I don't have family there... a few friends but not enough to create this much traffic!

Audience Pageviews by Countries

United States 18,611 United Kingdom 638 Germany 459 Canada 298 Australia 157 Russia 73 Philippines 59 China 32 United Arab Emirates 30 Brazil 30 Even more interesting is this: When you go to Google and type in a keyword search, it gives you results. Well, it turns out, my Blogger Manager keeps track of what  keyword searches offer up "W & C" as a search result. Here are the most recent  keyword searches that "W & C" popped up: Search Keywords kristi houston gilbert 5 whine and cheez 5 whine and cheez kristi 2 yes virginia snownglobe 2 "kristi" sex toys blog 1 big needle in butt 1 kristi gilbert 1 macy's santa how long is the wait 1 macys elf show sucks 1 needle ass perversion 1 So... my next thoughts are... who searches for "big needle in butt"? The "macys elf show sucks" comment sure would piss "T" off , since no one is allowed to speak their opinion. Regarding the "needle ass perversion"... um, is there some sick fetish with butts and syringes? What the _____?!  What is this world coming to?! Lastly...  I was intrigued onhow the "kristi-sex-toys-blog" search would list my blog as a search result. So I just had to test it. Sex - On the Edge - Kristi Gustafson - Style Fashion Dating Blog ...blog.timesunion.com/kristi/category/sex/ Bret Michaels: Life As I Know It - Recap - On Again/On Again | Vh1 ...May 31, 2010 ... When Raine is home,  Whats Your Position??? | Kristi Riley Jan 20, 2010 ...  Kama Sutra and sex books. Sex Toys. Sex is a very fun  Sex toys & gift cards sale | N.E.K.: The Cuntinuing AdventuresSex toys & gift cards sale. Posted by Whine & Cheez - 3 visits - Oct 4 Dec 3, 2010 ... Ideally, I'd like to have a few separate tabs on my blog  And coming in at #6... drumroll please.... there she blows!!! I'm not sure how I  feel about that. ;-) What I mean is I'm not sure if I'm proud or if I'm very offended...?